Photo released as police confirm woman's identity in murder probe

The identity of the Melksham woman found dead in her home on Sunday has been confirmed by police as Suzanne Bavette Newton, 45.

As police released a picture of Mrs Newton, husband Richard, is currently being questioned by Wiltshire Police at Melksham.

The 51-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday in Dulverton, Devon after the body of his wife was found at their home at 51 Barnes Wallis Close, Bowerhill.

He was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital from Taunton police station, but was discharged yesterday and taken to Melksham police station at 5.30pm last night.

Mrs Newton's body was discovered on Sunday morning and the search for the 51-year-old spread south following the discovery of his car, a blue Volkswagen Polo, at Brendon Common, Exmoor.

A forensic team finished their work at the Melksham home yesterday and a tent, erected after the discovery of the woman's body on Sunday morning, was taken away as police officers undertook a search of the grounds.

Mr and Mrs Newton are believed to have lived at the Bowerhill address for three years and one neighbour said last night: "It's very sad. She kept to herself, but we always used to see her walking her dog."

Work colleagues of Mrs Newton have paid their respects by leaving floral tributes outside her home.

Mrs Newton was employed by Darren Guinness Associates, and fellow workers at the Calne-based recruitment agency have left flowers at the end of the driveway of her home.

One floral tribute read: “18 flowers from 18 people thinking of you. Such a sad loss, lots of love from everyone at DGA (Darren Guinness Associates).”

A statement from the company read: “This is a very hard time for us, she was a valued member of staff and we are all trying to come to terms with this tragic loss.”